FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
about 
SCALE MODELS FROM RUSSIA™
and 
The PERESVET Ltd. Company

St.Petersburg, Russia

In Business since 1993
In Internet since 1996
Comments on activities

We try here to answer in advance all the questions you ever had about choosing and collecting scale models from Russia and other countries of the Former Soviet Union. If you have any others, please do not hesitate to ask - we will answer you directly and most likely those Q & A will be entered here in the FAQ too. 

Updated 10.01.2004

For the purpose of description only, we use here and in our Price-Lists the registered trademarks of many companies, but they were not designated as such to save space. 

Comments please to barmasov@pobox.spbu.ru (snail-mail address - at the end of this text).

Table of Contents

1. What is SCALE MODELS FROM RUSSIA™?

2. Did Russia ever produce scale models?

3. Are model cars still being produced in Russia?

4. Are Russian model cars usually in good condition? I once saw a Russian model car in a toy magazine and it looked pretty good.

5. What types of models are produced in Russia?

6. What scales are the most popular in Russia?

7. Where can I buy Russian models?

8. What is PERESVET?

9. Does PERESVET Ltd. sell to other vendors?

10. Do you have special prices for wholesale buyers?

11. What models do you suggest?

12. What Brand Names do you suggest?

13. Where can I get more information about models from your Price-List?

14. I couldn't find some models I have from the List. Is it only because they are probably out of production? Are there many models that are out of production and not in this List? Or is there another List for them as well?

15. Is it possible to find models not mentioned in your Price-List?

16. Where can I find pictures of models you suggest?

17. Where can I see pictures of prototypes (to compare with models)?

18. Do you suggest only scale models?

19. How can I order models from your Price-List (E-Mail, letter)?

20. Are all models available all the time?

21. How do models come - by post in a parcel?

22. Is there a duty to pay?

23. How can I pay?

24. Who pays for delivery (postal charge)?

25. Should I insure the cargo?

26. How do you operate with wholesale buyers (companies)?

27. How do you operate with private collectors (end-users)?

28. Should I pay in advance or I may pay on delivery?

29. What is 'Special Order'?

30. What is 'Exclusive Proposal'?

31. Why the difference in price between handbuilt and diecast models?

32. Why are your prices lower/higher than other companies?

33. Are discounts available?

34. Is it profitable to buy models directly from PERESVET Ltd.?

35. Is it possible to make overhead charges lower?

36. What are RMIndexes^®?

37. Does PERESVET Ltd. offer only Russian/CIS-made scale models?

38. What information 'SCALE MODELS FROM RUSSIA™' CDs contain?

39. What language is used?

40. How often version are updated?

41. Where should I order those products?

42. Do you produce scale models?

 

What is SCALE MODELS FROM RUSSIA™?

Originally SCALE MODELS FROM RUSSIA™ was Trademark used by Dr. Alexander V. BARMASOV since 1980s for all documents and catalogs on Soviet/FSU made scale models and accessories (e.g. it was used by Dr. Alexander V. BARMASOV at EWA & Miniature Cars USA Inc. Official Site since 1994). Later it became the Trademark of all devoted to scale models documents, publications, price-lists, etc. of The Peresvet Company. Since 1996 "SCALE MODELS FROM RUSSIA™" is the Official Slogan, Trademark and Name of the Scale Models Export and Marketing Department of the Peresvet Ltd. and all publications by Peresvet Ltd. including CD "SCALE MODELS FROM RUSSIA™" (used by authority of Trademark Owner). This Trademark is also used by SCALE MODELS FROM RUSSIA™ Worldwide unofficial Web-sites. Unauthorized usage of this Trademark and Slogan by other juridical and/or natural persons is illegal. 

Main Activities:

• Worldwide export and trade of scale models and accessories made in Russia and FSU countries (base Price-List contains 2,000+ items) - directly from SCALE MODELS FROM RUSSIA™ and via Regional Representatives. 

• Systematization and publishing of information about scale models of all types ever produced in Soviet Union and FSU countries. 

• Naming of all USSR/FSU model makers and their products by specific RMIndexes®, that are used for identification of scale models and accessories in all publications, documents, price-lists, etc. of Peresvet Ltd. and many other companies worldwide.

• Publication of CD "SCALE MODELS FROM RUSSIA™" - the first and the most complete and authoritative Encyclopedia on all types of scale models and kits, ever made in the USSR, Russia, and FSU countries - Illustrated Catalog - Reference Book with Price Guide and Information about Prototypes. All multiplicity of scale models - all manufacturers, all materials, all scales, all types, all eras. Usage of RMIndexes®. Illustrated articles on scale models and prototypes, on makers of both models and prototypes - in Russian and English languages. Thousands of images, animations, etc. Every next version of this CD contains not only revised and updated information published in previous version, but also information about novelties, etc. Now in 4 volumes!

• We offer NEW 1:43 high-quality handmade limited editions (up to 100 pieces only) of models of racecar transporters, buses, trolley buses, streetcars, etc. produced by St.Petersburg Tram Collection (STC) with 5% discount as compared with St.Petersburg Tram Collection ORIGINAL Producer's Prices (while quantities last)! Visit St.Petersburg Tram Collection Official Site at http://www.sptc.spb.ru/, make your choice, but place your order by writing to barmasov@pobox.spbu.ru, and you will save 5% as minimum as compared with Producer's Price and 20-50% as compared with Suggested Retail Prices! You will never find those items cheaper! 

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Did Russia ever produce scale models?

More than a couple of hundreds of scale models (metal and plastic) were in mass production in the former Soviet Union - mainly in Russia. Industrial production of scale models in the USSR began in early seventies. Read more in the Articles and Reviews from 'Scale Models From Russia' Series. 

Here are some comments of international experts: 

Dana Johnson (Diecast Toy Collectors Association, Dana Johnson Enterprises): 
"There have been numerous diecast toys made in the USSR, originally intended for the privileged children of visiting dignitaries. Since Perestroika, the former Soviet Union has been capitalizing on the popularity of USSR collectibles by marketing them wholesale in the US and Europe. Typical retail value is around $15-$20, a bargain considering the generally excellent quality seen in these Russian toys."

Edward Bulman (USA): 
"I am pretty knowledgeable about Russian diecast. I probably have the largest collection in the US ( big fish in a very small pond ;) ). Some of the lines are no longer made, as the factories were converted to the production of other goods. I believe that this is true of the factory that had the former Mebetoy molds, as well as the line of the GAZ-AA, -AAA, and -60 trucks.
For a country that was fairly primitive when it came to consumer goods, it fielded a pretty impressive variety of diecast prior to 1989. There are a lot more available now, especially ones that are of very limited production, which are extremely well detailed but are rather expensive. It is also interesting to see how the major manufacturers there have started to incorporate a little more plastic in their vehicles. I have a Zil-4331 truck and trailer set that are all metal. Now the beds are made out of plastic.
You are right in that they are excellent value for the money. They are very reminiscent of the late '60s/ early '70s Corgis and Dinkys."

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Are model cars still being produced in Russia?

Investigate our regularly updated CD "SCALE MODELS FROM RUSSIA™" and you will learn a lot of information about today situation in this field. Some models (total number of items currently listed is more than 4500, mainly mini-models of automobiles) are known only in a limited circle of Russian collectors. As for foreign collectors, they are almost unfamiliar with scale models manufactured in the Soviet Union and new independent states. 

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Are Russian model cars usually in good condition? I once saw a Russian model car in a toy magazine and it looked pretty good.

It is difficult and simple question at the same moment. Difficult - because it is difficult to find the criterion of quality. Simple - because usually Russian model cars are really in good condition. And in any case the have high quality/price ratio. Soviet-made models may be divided into 2 groups: original models, and remakes produced with the help of famous international manufacturers (using their old used casts). The best example of the first type of models - those produced by Tantal(litan)/Radon(Agat) (main output - electronics, production of models began in 1972). Bodies and opening elements of the models are diecast and painted with original automobile enamels. Decorative elements such as bumper or radiator grille are made of metallized plastic. These models have highly detailed interiors and realistic exteriors. Dozens of Tanta(Litan)l/Radon(Agat) models have 2 main merits: high quality and exotic objects - they produce only self-designed (original) models of Soviet/Russian-made makes (only few manufacturers abroad the Former Soviet Union produce only few models of Soviet/Russian makes). Another merit - those models are still rare outside the Former Soviet Union. Actually the third merit exists too - those high-quality models are cheap (at least in Russia, and especially if to compare their cost with prices on the well-known brand names of the same level). The second type models usually have good quality of modeling and manufacturing, but occasionally - are badly manufactured or have poor design (that usually is compensated by low price). But even these models may be interesting for serious collectors too - they are the "continuation" of earlier manufactured in the West (and inaccessible now because of termination of original production) models and, anyway, are produced by very exotic manufacturers. Special case - hand-made models. Almost all of the are very high quality limited editions (but unfortunately not very cheap).

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What types of models are produced in Russia?

Mainly - Soviet/Russian cars, trucks, ambulances, fire-fighting and military technique and aircraft. And also - nice collections of streetcars, buses, and trolleybuses. And railroad miniatures, and ships. And kits... and so on, and so on! 

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What scales are the most popular in Russia?

Among many other the most popular scales are:
Ground vehicles - 1:43 (O)
Military kits - 1:35
Aircraft kits - 1:72
Railway miniatures - 1:120 (TT)

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Where can I buy Russian models?

In 1970-80s only some car models were exported to the West by Novoexport, Zapchastexport and few other Soviet export companies. Unfortunately today situation is still almost the same - only small part of those models is known in the World collector scene. Main scale models dealers suggest some Russian/CIS-made models, but usually their price-lists contain only a couple of dozens of items - mainly mass-production regular editions of a few of major manufacturers. That is why since 1997 The PERESVET Ltd. began to supply the foreign dealers by hundreds (!) of items of Russian/CIS-made scale models, simultaneously selling those models by mail directly to collectors. 

SCALE MODELS FROM RUSSIA™
St.Petersburg, RUSSIA
E-mail: barmasov@pobox.spbu.ru

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BEST WISHES & HAPPY COLLECTING!